16 years ago, a doctor published a study. It was completely made up, and it made us all sicker.

In therapy, we often speak about health related decisions we have to make for ourselves, our children or our aging parents. I encourage people to identify benefits and risks, and to consider their biases or blindspots that may undermine the wisest choices.

Every once in a while we find that preconceived notions, misunderstandings or completely false beliefs contribute to decisions. It’s always helpful to understand what we know—from science—what has been debunked, and what is myth or tale.

Since a false scientific claim led to enormous mistrust of vaccines to the detriment of millions, I’m sharing this summary of what we know about immunization safety brought to you by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Check out the links at the top for more information.

Here’s the deadly results when people say things about science without actually looking at science.